Ribeirão Preto Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to eat, and more with our comprehensive travel guide to Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.


Introduction to Ribeirão Preto

Ribeirão Preto is a vibrant city located in the north of São Paulo, in the southeast region of Brazil. Known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and lively cultural scene, Ribeirão Preto attracts visitors from all over the world.

Whether you’re a history buff looking to explore the city’s museums and landmarks, an adventure seeker looking for outdoor activities, or a foodie eager to try the local cuisine, Ribeirão Preto has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll highlight the top places to visit, must-try dishes and beverages, best hiking and biking routes, and so much more. Let’s dive in!

List of Places to Visit in Ribeirão Preto

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Municipal Market: One of the city’s largest markets, selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts.

  • Pedro II Theater: A stunning 19th-century theater that hosts a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, and theater performances.

  • Museum of the Image and Sound (MIS): An innovative museum showcasing audiovisual technology, with a focus on Brazilian cinema and photography.

  • Museum of Art of Ribeirão Preto (MARP): A contemporary art museum with a collection of over 1,000 works by Brazilian and international artists.

  • Pinguim Brewery: A historic brewery founded in 1933, known for serving delicious beer and traditional snacks.

Natural Attractions of Ribeirão Preto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Curupira Park: A beautiful park with hiking and biking trails, natural pools, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Botanical Garden of Ribeirão Preto: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring over 200 species of plants and flowers.

  • Jockey Club Park: A popular park for picnics and outdoor activities, with a lake, hiking trails, and playgrounds.

  • Dr. Luiz Roberto Jábali Park: A large park with walking trails, a lake, and recreational activities, including a mini-golf course and a skate park.

  • Serra da Mantiqueira: A mountain range located a few hours from Ribeirão Preto, with stunning scenery, hiking trails, and waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ribeirão Preto

  • Campos Elíseos Trail: A 4 km trail that crosses fields and forests, leading to the beautiful Figueiras Waterfall.

  • Circular Trail of Ribeirão Preto: A 15 km trail that circles the city, passing through parks and neighborhoods.

  • Municipal Park Trail: A 5 km trail that winds through the park’s lush greenery, offering plenty of opportunities for bird watching and nature photography.

Best Things to Do in Ribeirão Preto: Activities and Tours

  • Coffee Farm Tour: Experience the history of Brazil’s coffee industry with a visit to a traditional coffee farm. You can taste the coffee, learn about the production process, and admire the beautiful scenery.

  • Cultural Tour: Take a guided tour of Ribeirão Preto’s most important historical and cultural landmarks, led by local experts.

  • Nightlife Tour: Experience Ribeirão Preto’s vibrant nightlife scene, with visits to bars, pubs, and live music venues.

  • Food Tour: Discover the city’s unique culinary offerings, from traditional Brazilian dishes to international cuisine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ribeirão Preto

Day 1: Explore the historic downtown area and visit the Pedro II Theater.

Day 2: Take a coffee farm tour and learn about the history of Brazil’s coffee production.

Day 3: Visit the Museum of Art of Ribeirão Preto (MARP) and indulge in some delicious food at Pinguim Brewery.

Day 4: Take a hiking or biking tour of the city’s outdoor attractions.

Day 5: Visit the Municipal Market and try some local food and drinks.

Day 6: Take a cultural tour of Ribeirão Preto and learn about the city’s history and traditions.

Day 7: Relax in one of the city’s many parks or take a day trip to nearby Serra da Mantiqueira.

Food and Drink Scene of Ribeirão Preto

Must-Try Dishes

  • Feijão tropeiro: A traditional Brazilian dish made with beans, sausage, bacon, and cassava flour.

  • Churrasco: A barbecue-style meal featuring a variety of meats, served with rice and beans.

  • Pão de queijo: A small, cheesy bread roll that is a staple of Brazilian cuisine.

  • Coxinha: A deep-fried dough stuffed with chicken and seasonings.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça: A traditional Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice.

  • Caipirinha: A classic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar.

  • Coffee: Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world, and Ribeirão Preto is home to some of the best coffee farms in the country.

Where to Stay in Ribeirão Preto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Stream Palace Hotel: A beautiful historic hotel in the heart of the city, with elegant rooms and excellent amenities.

  • Arco Hotel Ribeirão Preto III: A modern hotel located close to the city’s main attractions, with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.

  • Hotel Vilage Inn Ribeirão Preto: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a convenient location.

  • Pousada do Sossego: A charming guesthouse with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.

What to Buy in Ribeirão Preto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Coffee: Ribeirão Preto is the perfect place to buy high-quality coffee from local farms.

  • Cachaça: Take home a bottle of Brazil’s most popular spirit.

  • Handicrafts: The Municipal Market is a great place to find handmade crafts and souvenirs from local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Ribeirão Preto

Ribeirão Preto has a rich and diverse culture that reflects Brazil’s unique mix of indigenous, African, and European influences. Visitors can experience traditional Brazilian music, dance, and food, as well as the city’s modern art scene.

Best Time to Visit Ribeirão Preto

The best time to visit Ribeirão Preto is from May to October when the weather is mild and dry. However, the city can be visited year-round, and each season has its own highlights and attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ribeirão Preto

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, especially the feijão tropeiro and churrasco.

  • Learn about the city’s history and culture by visiting its museums and landmarks.

  • Take a day trip to nearby Serra da Mantiqueira.

Don’t:

  • Don’t walk alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.

  • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled water to avoid getting sick.

  • Don’t forget to take mosquito repellent, as the city is known for its mosquitoes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ribeirão Preto

Ribeirão Preto is a safe city, but visitors should take common-sense precautions such as not walking alone late at night, avoiding unlit areas, and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Ribeirão Preto

Visitors should drink only bottled water and take mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.

Getting to Ribeirão Preto: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ribeirão Preto

  • Leite Lopes Airport: The city’s main airport, with domestic and some international flights.

Bus Stations Near Ribeirão Preto

  • Ribeirão Preto Terminal Rodoviário: The city’s main bus station, with connections throughout Brazil.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Visitors can rent cars at the airport or in the city to explore the surrounding attractions.

How to Get Around in Ribeirão Preto

The best way to get around Ribeirão Preto is by taxi or Uber. Visitors can also use public transportation, including buses and trams, to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Ribeirão Preto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Serra da Mantiqueira: A beautiful mountain range with hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.

  • São Paulo: Brazil’s largest city and cultural capital, located a few hours from Ribeirão Preto.

  • Belo Horizonte: The capital of the state of Minas Gerais, known for its colonial architecture and delicious cuisine.

Conclusion

Ribeirão Preto is a city full of surprises and delights. From its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine, visitors will find plenty to do and see in this vibrant Brazilian city. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Ribeirão Preto, and we can’t wait for you to experience all that this amazing city has to offer.

Pinguim ''chopperia'' and Municipal Theater, Ribeirão Preto. Pinguim ''chopperia'' and Municipal Theater, Ribeirão Preto.